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  • Ten Easy Ways to Earn Miles and Points

    Ten Easy Ways to Earn Miles and Points

    I am relatively new to collecting miles and points.  When I started, there was a steep learning curve that seemed overwhelming.  It felt like it would be impossible to accumulate enough to make a dent in our travel expenses.  My kids with only first world problems are used to regular travel with the word “Disney”, after all.  I debated whether to even start.  I’m glad I did.  In a short amount of time, I have racked up enough miles and points to cover several first-class flights and multiple hotel stays for my family.  This process requires organization and strategy, but it is well worth it.  There are Ten easy ways I use to earn miles and points without doing anything I consider to be ethically questionable.

    earn miles

    How To Earn Miles and Points

    Table Of Contents

    1. Credit Card Spend

    Credit cards will earn you the most miles and points by far, even if you don’t spend a lot each month.  You can build miles and points very quickly, particularly with a few introductory bonuses.  There is nothing stopping both you and your partner from taking out the same card, even if you are listed as an authorized user on the other’s card.  Keep in mind if you do not pay your balance in full each month, this is not for you.  Any benefit you receive from the miles and points will be more than canceled out by fees and interest payments. 

    The credit cards with the best incentives require good credit.  If you don’t have good credit, work on improving your credit score before you start applying.  A quick google search will tell you generally what credit score you need to increase your approval odds.  NerdWallet is a great free app that breaks down your credit score and makes suggestions to improve it. 

    Organization is key.  When you start accumulating enough credit cards to play Poker, you need to make sure things don’t slip through the cracks so you don’t get into financial trouble or accidentally miss a payment.  NerdWallet keeps a list of your credit cards and their balances, and I also use Mint, another free site, to keep track of all my financial accounts.   

    There are tons of credit cards from which to choose.  You should get a sense of which ones you want in the next year or two and apply in a strategic order.  Even if you have great credit, if you take out too many too fast, you will start getting denied.  I do not recommend listing your partner as an authorized user on your cards because accounts on which you are an authorized user will also be listed on your credit report.  This will look like you are opening accounts twice as fast.  You can both take out the same card individually and receive double the rewards. 

    The requirements of each individual company are constantly changing, so double check before you apply.  There is too much to say about the benefit of each particular credit card for one article, so I am only going to focus on application guidelines and introductory bonuses for a few cards I like for beginners.  You should read what each card offers, like free checked baggage, TSA precheck credits, and airport lounge access, to decide if the card will benefit you long term.  Generally, here are some things to keep in mind as of the time of this writing:

    Chase Cards

    Chase has a 5/24 rule.  If you have taken out or been listed as an authorized user on someone else’s card from any company more than 5 times in the last 24 months, you will most likely be denied.  Note, this is not just five Chase cards.  Any company at all is included in the count.  Apply for Chase cards first.

    Chase has a lot of great products for beginners.  We like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, which as of the time of this writing has an introductory bonus of 60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points (worth approximately $750) after you spend $4,000 on the card in the first three months.  We also use airline credit card offers like the Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus card, which as of the time of this writing offers 40,000 Rapid Rewards points (worth approximately $600) after spending $1,000 in the first three months.  If you prefer cash over travel rewards and a card with no annual fee, Chase Freedom offers a $200 statement credit after spending $500 within the first three months.  These are just three examples.  Chase has plenty of other great choices as well. 

    Note, you can typically earn introductory bonuses on the same card more than once if you wait the specified amount of time before applying again.  Check the terms of each card and know how to earn miles with credit card. 

    American Express

    American Express has several great cards.  I have found these cards to be pretty easy to get.  However, they do this obnoxious thing where they take back your introductory bonus if you cancel the card within a year or if they figure out you made ineligible purchases to hit the minimum spend, such as gift cards.  Make sure you do not cancel the card or do a product change until after the annual fee posts the next year.  The annual fee is refundable for up to 30 days after it posts. 

    My favorite American Express card for beginners is the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card.  It has an introductory bonus of 130,000 Hilton Honors points (worth approximately $650) after spending $4,000 in the first three months.  It also gives you a free weekend night if you spend $15,000 on the card in a calendar year, as well as several other benefits. 

    American Express has a once per lifetime rule for introductory bonuses, so wait to apply until you see an offer you really like.

    Barclays

    Barclays is a tough nut to crack.  Apply for this one early, and don’t bother if you have taken out a bunch of other cards recently.  If you can get to this one early enough to get approved, the Barclays AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard offers 60,000 American Airlines AAdvantage miles (worth approximately $960)  after you make any purchase and pay the $99 annual fee. 

    You can earn the introductory bonus multiple times if you wait the requisite amount of time.

    Citibank

    Citibank cards are pretty easy to come by regardless of how many cards you have taken out recently. 

    For beginners, I like the Citi/AAdvantage Travel Rewards card which offers 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage miles (worth approximately $800) after spending $2,500 in the first three months.  I also use the Citi Premier which offers 60,000 Citi ThankYou points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.  The value of Citi ThankYou points varies depending upon how you choose to redeem them.  I generally use them to book rental cars through the travel portal, but there are several options.   

    You can earn the sign-up bonuses more than once on these cards as long as you wait the appropriate amount of time (listed on the individual application) to reapply. 

    Capital One

    Capital One tends to decline people who have taken out a lot of cards recently.  You should apply for these cards on the early side.

    I like the Capital One Venture card.  This card has a purchase eraser that allows you to erase any travel-related expense on your statement with your points, so it is very flexible.  At the time of this writing, you earn 50,000 bonus miles (worth $500) after spending $3,000 in the first three months.

    You can earn sign up bonuses on Capital One cards more than once.

    2. Throw Your Debit Card Away

    You should be using your credit card for everything.  Your debit card should be reserved solely for taking out cash for Tooth Fairy money.  When you use a debit card or cash when you could use a credit card, you are flushing miles and points down the toilet. 

    3. Use the Best Credit Card for Each Purchase

    After you hit your minimum spend, pay attention to the percentage each card pays for certain categories.  We cycle through a handful of cards for various purchases.  One card will pay more at grocery stores, while another will pay more for gas.  Make yourself aware of the general spending categories and try to maximize your earnings.

    4. Check Your Accounts Regularly for Offers on Current Accounts

    Most credit card companies offer extra miles and points for shopping with certain vendors.  There is typically a section called “Just For You” or something of the sort when you log on to your account.  Check the offers to see if you were going to shop there anyway.  If you were, go through a shopping portal and use the corresponding credit card to make the purchase.

    5. Credit Card Referrals

    Like all those credit cards you have recently taken out? Refer your friends.  Several credit card companies offer incentives to refer people, and there is generally no restriction preventing you from referring your partner, even if your partner is an authorized user on your card.  My husband and I constantly refer each other for cards we were going to take out anyway.  Be aware credit card companies sometimes send a 1099 for the value of the referral points if the value exceeds a certain threshold. 

    6. Register for Miles and Points Loyalty Programs

    Loyalty programs are free and require almost no effort.  Anytime you travel, you should make sure you have joined that airline and/or hotel’s frequent traveler program and make sure that the trip has been added to your account to earn frequent flyer miles.  It costs you nothing but ten seconds of your time.  Familiarize yourself with the rules of the loyalty program.  Some programs’ points expire after a certain period of inactivity, but there is almost always a way to reset the clock without traveling.  I use the free AwardWallet earn points app to keep track of my miles and points and their corresponding expiration dates.

    7. Dining

    Several airlines and hotel chains have dining programs like Aadvantage Dining.  All you need to do is register your credit card with the site and dine at one of the restaurants.  The points generate automatically.  When you register for the first time, there is often an extra introductory bonus in addition to the normal points earned.  Here is an example of one of these programs.  You can register for as many programs as you want, but the points will only apply to one.  Dining at one of these establishments is a great way to reset the clock if your points are about to expire.

    8. Shopping Portals

    Shopping portals are an easy way to earn miles and points for purchases you were going to make anyway.  Register with a portal, then just click through to the store’s website.  The prices are exactly the same and you can use any promo codes or discounts at the store you would like.  The number of points earned is based upon the purchase price.  On Swagbucks’ shopping portal, for example, you’ll find online RedBubble coupons, Michaels coupons, and other promo codes and deals for thousands of merchants. Another example of a shopping portal can be found here.  This is another great way to reset the clock if your points are about to expire.

    9. Surveys

    You can take surveys to earn miles and points with some loyalty programs.  An example of how to earn airline miles without credit card can be found here.  The earnings are quite low for the time invested, like less than minimum wage, so I don’t recommend spending any real-time on these unless you are just hanging out on the couch anyway.  It is another way to reset the clock. 

    10. Retention Offers

    When the annual fee posts on your credit card, it doesn’t hurt to call the company to ask if they have any retention offers available.  Sometimes, they will give you an incentive to keep the card, such as a statement credit or the ability to earn extra miles.  If you decide you don’t want to keep a card, at a minimum, ask for a product change to a no annual fee card.  This will keep the account open so it appears you are holding onto your cards long term.  Credit card companies don’t want customers who are going to take the introductory bonus and close the card.  If you have a bunch of accounts on your credit report that were only open for a few months, it will look bad for you when you apply for new cards.

    Final Thoughts

    Earning miles and points is work, but it can also become a fun hobby.  The miles and points we have accumulated over the last couple of years have saved us thousands.  It is important to stay organized and apply in a strategic order to maximize your benefits.  While it may take a substantial amount of time to manage miles and points, it is worth it. 

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    Andy Masaki

    Andy Masaki

    Guest Author

    Andy is a blogger at Penny Less Dad and a financial writer associated with the Oak View Law Group. He is a debt expert and a member of several online forums where he shares his advice as well as tips to lead a financially independent life.

    • Fashion For Less: Best Alternatives To Your Kids’ Favorite Brands

      Fashion For Less: Best Alternatives To Your Kids’ Favorite Brands

      Who says you can’t have a stylish child without breaking open your budget? There may be pricey brands that your child knows and loves, but you can always find a fashionable alternative for a fraction of the cost. We’ve put together a list of top kids brands and stores that specialize in sensational clothing, but they all offer jaw-dropping savings, either through their sales or their everyday prices so that you can shop fashion for less. If you get the shopping bug at any point, don’t worry! You can treat your dashing little man or darling little princess to a new outfit or two, guilt-free.

      girls clothing

      So Sweet Fashion

      If your fashionable child tends to prefer clothing from the flashier retail brands, such as GAP, Zara, and The Children’s Place, then you can save big by shifting your allegiance over to Sydney So Sweet. The online store even beats shopping at that certain big-box chain with the bulls-eye, plus the clothing is much more unique. It offers you the chance to dress your kiddo in one-of-a-kind styles from head-to-toe.

      Noteworthy for its bright colors, eye-popping patterns, and larger-than-life accessories, the store offers clothing for boys and girls in a range of designs. That being said, the shop is a little girl’s dream. You can find outfits for a variety of occasions, including holiday-themed apparel for every holiday you can imagine. The store also prides itself on its seasonal offerings, which allow you to effortlessly pick out clothes for your child that are weather-appropriate but cute to boot.

      What we love most about Sydney So Sweet—besides the affordable prices, of course—is the store’s versatility. It’s like a one-stop-shop for everything your little boy or girl might need. As mentioned, its stock is especially geared toward little girls.

      For example, if you need a place that specializes in inexpensive but fabulous costumes, this is your go-to. That’s a major bonus during the Halloween season, but it’s also fantastic for little girls who enjoy playing dress-up and make-believe. Every so often, momma, you can surprise your fairy tale princess or magical mermaid with a new costume to add to her collection.

      Beyond that, the store is also renowned for its tutus. If you know anything about kids’ fashion, especially as it applies to girls, then you know that tutus are all the rage. Even mom can get it on the action since the store offers an assortment of Mommy-and-Me tutus, along with matching outfits that moms and daughters can wear every day.

      It’s All About Old Navy

      Old Navy Gap kids

      The prep style looks adorable on kids, don’t you think? It’s not every child’s cup of tea, but plenty of tots love to dress in clothing that evokes the preppy aesthetic. There are also plenty of parents who want to dress their kids in classic pieces, timeless basics, crisp tops, and pastel colors.

      Unfortunately, that preppy look can get expensive. Top kids clothing brands like Ralph Lauren, Tea Collection, and L. L. Bean have perfected the style, but those clothes don’t come cheap. The good news is that parents who are shopping on a budget can dress their children in clean lines and comfy fits courtesy of Old Navy.

      You might be skeptical about seeing that name, but hear us out before you make up your mind. Old Navy and, by extension, the GAP and Baby GAP, aren’t always inexpensive. Especially when you’re shopping at those stores as an adult, items can get a bit pricey. That goes for babies, toddlers, and older kids, too.

      But—there’s a big but here, an unmistakable caveat: GAP and Old Navy have some of the best sales ever. They don’t just occur during holidays and seasonal transitions, which means that they’re more accessible. You don’t have to get to the store ridiculously early to battle for khaki shorts or tiny polo shirts just to save a few bucks.

      It helps to sign up for alerts from Old Navy—and GAP, too, if you like. Along with getting ahead of the sales curve, you’ll also have instant access to coupon codes and discounts. We live for coupon codes and discounts. Keep an eye out for online exclusive deals, as well. You can often save more when you shop online.

      The secret is to shop smart. Wait for the sales. If you see a piece that your child can wear often and well, think about buying it in several different colors. You could also size up as you make purchases to prepare for your baby’s next stage of development.

      The H&M Kids Difference

      H&M kids

      Once a store that catered to children across the pond, H&M has been a mainstay in the United States for nearly a decade or more. Thank goodness it finally arrived! Just as an FYI, mom and dad might want to start shopping there. Right now we’re focused on the kids, though, and H&M Kids is heaven-sent, too.

      We’re not exaggerating when we say that your child could shop at H&M Kids for his or her entire life. The store sells clothing for newborns, infants, toddlers, youngsters heading to school, tweens, and teens. You won’t ever bust your budget buying school clothes or vacation apparel, either. That’s a must for thrifty parents.

      You may have to play it smart with your choices. This is a store where you can find dresses for little girls that only cost $5, but other items may be $20-$30. Of course, that’s still an affordable range for quality clothing that your child can wear until he or she completely outgrows it.

      Like Old Navy, H&M Kids is known for its unbelievable sales, as well. Time it right and you can score up to 60% off, which is impressive. If you’re interested in becoming a rewards member, then you’re eligible for additional discounts. In fact, the store will even let you combine membership deals with existing sales. For example, you may be able to get 20% or 25% off an item of cheap clothing that’s already deeply discounted.

      Because the clothes at H&M Kids are high-quality with a precious UK flavor, you can replace all the expensive preppy brands when you shop there. It also gives you the opportunity to dress your child in a way that mimics the adorable, old-fashioned quality of other quirky UK brands, such as Peacheyboo, Toby Tiger, and Zara.

      Stylish Savings at Circo

      Circo kids clothes

      Circo is your answer to the big box retailers. Particularly if you find yourself at Target all the time, you’ll enjoy the savings potential at Circo, which is aimed toward style-conscious parents who need to stick to a budget. We know it’s hard, and not just because your little one seems to grow more every month. Replacing outgrown clothing is expensive enough, but also, who can resist the urge to dress their dumpling in all the latest fashions?

      We’re wild about Circo for more than just its prices. For one thing, the store specializes in gender-neutral clothing. That’s a bonus for a number of reasons, but we’ll stick to the fashion-related ones. Some of the most stylish clothes are gender-neutral because they highlight the design, the color palette, and the fit. Neutral colors and silhouettes allow you to curate a capsule wardrobe for your child, one that’s full of quality clothing items that can be mixed and matched.

      Let’s go back to the prices, though. Circo allows you to be thrifty without sacrificing your child’s sense of chic. This is a place where you can get a pack of four onesies for $10 or less. However, the items are durable and well-made, so you won’t have to replace them constantly due to wear and tear. Thanks to that and their gender-neutral designs and hues, you can save back the clothing for a younger child to wear. Win-win!

      Forever 21 for Tiny Divas

      Forever 21 kids

      Not even adults can deny that Forever 21 has cute clothes. As it happens, your little girl is never too young for Forever 21. Not many parents realize that the store markets to younger ladies, too. Forever 21 Girls is geared exclusively to girls, obviously, so it’s not as versatile as some of the other brands and stores on our list. You can’t find clothes for babies or toddlers, either. It’s a hot-spot for grade school girls and tweens. When your princess hits her fashion-conscious phase, this is where she may find her new aesthetic.

      Prices are on-par with the adult store, which places them in-line with Circo, H&M Kids, and Sydney So Sweet. Most pieces are trendy, but they’re sweet as can be and totally age-appropriate. The selection is astounding, as well. You’ll usually discover surprising seasonal stand-outs at the beginning of each season, and the store often kicks off with a sale. Like other stores mentioned, however, Forever 21 Girls doesn’t really need a reason to offer discounts. The shop is happy to do so at the most random times, which means you can score a fantastic haul just because.

      No matter the season, the store is full to bursting with on-point picks. You can get your girl kitted out for Spring Break or the start of school in September without spending hundreds of dollars. Heck, there are dresses for less than $25 and versatile tops available for less than $10. Most of the stock mixes and matches effortlessly, as well, so a single top can go with four different bottoms and one skirt will look great with an array of shirts, sweaters, or tanks.

      All the Labels at thredUP

      We have to admit that this is a bit of a cheat. Finding alternative labels to your child’s favorite brands is awesome, but sometimes, your kiddo wants what he or she wants. Other times, you want to show off your adorable child in a particular brand, as well. Splurging on a big name can be expensive, though, and it’s hard to justify the cost. So what do you do—give up? Of course not. You thredUP. See what we did there?

      For those who aren’t familiar, thredUP is a different kind of clothing store. It’s a place where you can sell your child’s gently-used and outgrown clothing. It’s basically an online consignment shop. You know how quickly your kid goes through clothes. Packing up the outgrown items and keeping them in the closet seems like such a waste of money and resources, especially since the majority of them are probably like new.

      Not only does that mean that you can make money on your baby’s clothes, but you can also get your hands on designer labels for fractions of the original costs. We’re talking about all the best-known baby brands, such as Lilly Pulitzer and Mini Bodini. It’s even possible to sell baby clothes for credit to go toward any orders you make in the future.

      Thrifty moms and dads know how and where to save money. Now you know how to find stylish kids’ clothes on a budget and shop the cheapest children’s clothes online, as well. Share your frugal fashion tips, too! What brands do you gravitate toward? Where do you shop to find affordable clothes for your little fashion plate?

      fashion for less

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    • How To Monetize Your Blog With Savings Coupons

      How To Monetize Your Blog With Savings Coupons

      How can you make money online from your blog?

      If you’re wondering, then let me tell you that there are only two simple ways. First, you can help people save money, or you can help them earn money. And you can do both if you have a daily deal or savings coupons hosting site.

      But there are already plenty of such websites, so how would you be able to stand out amongst all of them?

      Monetize Your Blog With Savings Coupons

      Today in this article, we will give you a few tips about how to start a coupon or daily deal website without much hassle and how to monetize it successfully. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

      savings coupons

      Coupons or daily deals? Decide that first:

      A coupon site is very pretty simple. All you need to do is add coupons of various products and services from affiliate and aggregator sources that pay you a pre-fixed percentage. On the other hand, daily deal sites are more profitable. Especially if you can negotiate with the provider, it can sometimes pay you up to 50%. Though it’s not necessary that you can have only one type of site, you can run both offers on your website at the same time.

      Choosing the correct niche is the key: Do not fall in the trap of being the jack of all trades, instead select a particular niche that you’d love to cater. For instance, you can offer web-hosting and related deals on your site, or you can choose a market like fashion or health supplements.

      Choose a catchy name for your website domain: And also buy a premium hosting. Today you can buy a full year hosting subscription and a domain name for less than a hundred bucks, so there’s no excuse of using a free host.

      Create a mobile-friendly responsive website: In 2019, mobile traffic already surpassed the number of visitors generated from computers, and that should be enough to tell you that you have to focus on creating a smartphone-friendly website.

      A signup page is a must: Having a steady flow of traffic is, of course, very crucial. But what is more important is creating an email list of visitors to whom you can send various promotional offers from time to time, and that will help you to build a loyal customer base down the line. For that, do not forget to add a signup page on your site.

      Select the right source of daily deals and coupons: Now, this is the tricky part as you’ll find a lot of such aggregators and affiliate sources just by a simple search in Google. What’s important is selecting the right source, which is reputable, and has plenty of great offers in literally every niche.

      We have done the research for you, so you don’t have to, and we found Savings.com DealPro Network is the best. Why? We have three reasons –

      1. Higher payout: Their payout is higher compared to the competition in the market. On top of that, their innovative monetization system allows you to insert affiliate links in the sponsored content of your site, meaning your earning potential will increase drastically.
      2. Relevant deals: Unlike others, their inventory is enormous, and that means you can get deals that are super-relevant to your particular niche.
      3. Exclusivity: If you’re tired of getting the same deals from other sources, DealPro is simply different. They allow only a handful of webmasters that matches their stringent criteria. As a result, you get exclusive deals that no other sites are offering, now how cool is that?
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQYpF8-q51c

      What if you are an existing blogger?

      Even if you already have a blog, you can still add a section on your blog for Coupons and Deals and promote some awesome deals from Savings. Additionally, you can promote them via your social media networks too.

      Besides coupons, DealPro network has special promotions to run giveaways on your site which lets you earn money for each giveaway signup generated from your blog or social media networks.

      badge

      Wrapping it up: You can signup on their site today as they are accepting new applications after a while. So, do not miss out on the opportunity and act right now.

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    • Black Friday Frenzy – Scoring On The Latest Home Improvement Deals Like A Pro

      Black Friday Frenzy – Scoring On The Latest Home Improvement Deals Like A Pro

      ​Better get ready…………. the 2019 Black Friday is ready to take the world by storm, and the special offers keep getting better with every new year.

      Everyone expects the discounts to be massive these days, especially as the competition between manufacturers has never been more intense. Besides, while it might be a bit confusing, I love how Black Friday is no longer just a Friday, but often comes with a full week or even a month of discounts.

      Black Friday Deals

      Now, when you think Black Friday, you think electronics. It is just part of the game. I guess this is the most advanced sector and it keeps expanding like there is no tomorrow. Whatever you get today, chances are there will be a better model next year. This rule applies to pretty much every segment, yet there are a few exceptions. Home tools tend to make a great investment because quality stuff will never get outdated.

      Now when thinking about home improvement or tools, whether it’s Home Depot or some other stores, most stores in this category will most likely run a plethora of offers too. I remember the first time I decided to join this Black Friday mania – it was 2009. I got a set of screwdrivers with different tips – the proper professional kind of set with 50 pieces in a suitcase – and it still feels brand new. It is still one of the top-rated sets in the market. That’s why I love this segment – it is all about value for money and making a long-term investment.

      Do not get me wrong, though! Home Depot coupons and discounts are mostly suitable for certain categories of people.

      First, you got the professionals – contractors and people who actually make a living in this industry. They obviously require the latest technologies in order to provide top-notch service for home renovation or remodeling. They need durability, as well as the top brands in this segment. Luckily, most of these things come out on Black Friday first.

      Home tools

      Second, you have my category – the DIY enthusiasts. We all love doing things around our house, and while we may lack extensive knowledge and experience, we can still pull some nice tricks every now and then. I firmly believe everyone should be able to fix a table, a chair, or a sofa. I take my ventures even further and even come up with my own designs. I hire contractors only when something could be life-threatening – other than that, I do everything myself.

      This year, Black Friday falls on the 29th of November. I am pretty sure many large stores will start their discounts a week before or so. Some of them will probably keep their coupon codes or sale discounts for a week after too. Some shops go for a full month in order to get as many customers as possible. I recommend keeping an eye on whatever your favorite store has in mind. When it comes to big stores, they will most likely explode on the actual Black Friday.

      Black Friday Home Improvement Deals

      Now, what should we expect from Home Depot and other similar home improvement stores for 2019?

      What to expect for Black Friday

      It is hard to tell what products or categories of products will benefit from a major discount on Home Depot’s Black Friday Deals event.

      However, if you are like me and keep an eye on home improvement stores around this time of the year, you have probably noticed a few trends that keep repeating. And let me put it out clearly – there is nothing wrong with that. Home Depot keeps things simple by focusing on things people actually want or need, rather than new innovations to test the market.

      Christmas decorations will most likely make a difference this year, as well. We will probably find everything – from Christmas trees in all kinds of sizes and designs to small or large decorations for the tree or your household. It was one of the first home improvement ideas applied by the top store on Black Friday, and it comes just in time – less than a month before Christmas. Sure, some of us have already purchased a few bits, but the main sale will most likely go on Black Friday.

      Christmas decorations

      The last few years have also revealed another trend. Camping has always been a popular activity for youngsters or nature enthusiasts, not to mention families. It keeps getting more and more popular with plenty of new places all over the world. Do not get me wrong – it is not just camping, but all about outdoor activities. I bought a nice portable grill for my family’s camping trips last year, and I keep my fingers crossed for a few similar things this year too. Some of the outdoor furniture on sale last year was stunning, but our garden is fully decorated.

      Now, stores like Home Depot will clearly focus on the working industry too. There will probably be hundreds of dollars of power tools, toolsets, and all kinds of similar appliances. These are probably the main reasons wherefore so many people head to such stores on Black Friday – they build or add to their portfolios. I will be honest with you – even though I am well stocked on power tools these days, I always keep an eye on these sale discounts, as you never know what might pop up for a good price.

      Then, while this is not new, it tends to get better around Black Friday – financing deals. They were common and quite successful over the past few years – I guess Home Depot would not do them otherwise. Basically, you get better financing deals, no interest deals, and so on – even multiple discounts on multiple purchases. The sale applies to more expensive things – not just a power tool, but perhaps a dryer or a washing machine.

      I got a kitchen set a few years ago – no interest added. It got paid within a couple of years – fixed rates, no random variables, no extra charges.

      However, while all these seem exciting, there is nothing official yet. I guess we will have to wait until Black Friday begins and keep an eye on official websites.

      Whether you shop online or offline, Black Friday is all about preparation. You are more likely to be successful on this shopping day if you know exactly what you need. But then, if you are like me, you will always get some extras too.

      Outdoor equipments

      Anyway, how do you get ready for Black Friday?

      What are my best tips gathered over a decade of Black Friday hunting?!

      Sign up and get ready

      In 2019, people shop online. Of course, the grocery shop down the road is still handy at times, but many big things are ordered online.

      The same rule applies to Black Friday. You might see videos of people fighting in shops for the last power tool on sale or a kitchen set, but going online is more convenient and easier. You can shop in multiple stores within minutes, rather than wasting hours in traffic or queues.

      Now, when I mean you need to sign up, I mean to save time. The traffic on these home improvement websites is massive during Black Friday. It starts soon after midnight. This means websites will get slow – you will have to hit the refresh button every few minutes.

      Why waste time then?

      Sign up today when there is no rush. Create an account. Enter your shipping details. Save your payment information. This way, you will save valuable minutes on each purchase.

      Research prices upfront

      Mark my words – you need to be familiar with the prices. Well, you should be… Whether you are a pro or a DIY enthusiast, you might be familiar with average prices for tools and home improvement stuff.

      If you are just starting up, mark my advice – come up with a list of tools you might need. Explore Home Depot or other similar websites if you are not sure. Become familiar with the prices.

      Some stores increase prices a month or two before Black Friday, only to be able to provide some discounts. This trick is more common in small stores that cannot afford to offer big sale discounts.

      gifts for decor

      Luckily, large places stay away from such lame techniques. All in all, knowing prices will help you determine whether the discount is worth it.

      Research top products too

      It is hard to tell now, exactly, what will go on sale on Black Friday. But if you are involved with home improvement tools for a while, you might know what products run the market.

      My point is quite simple – research what you need upfront.

      You will find lots of bargains for products that you do not really need – you will simply have no use for them. Trust me, I have been there, and I have done that – bought items just because the deals looked amazing. They were so cheap that I would have been happy if they lasted for a week.

      And I still have them… And I still use them once a year… They are just not suitable for the kind of things I do.

      If you need a nail gun, do your homework and find the best ones in the market, then try to find one of those. Looking for a particular refrigerator? How about an air compressor? You do not necessarily need to know the best products, but at least learn about the top manufacturers out there.

      Save even more money

      Some retailers will let you buy a product online, and then they will keep it in store for you for a particular amount of time – two days, seven days, whatever…

      Shopping online is convenient, but it could be pricey too. There are not too many offers on shipping during Black Friday, so chances are you will pay for shipping. Order a large package, and the shipping cost can be quite harsh.

      You can still benefit from the discount if your retailer keeps it in store for you. Whether you go for Home Depot or a smaller store, double-check upfront. This way, you can pop up a couple of days later, when the crazy crowds are gone. You are welcome!

      Home improvement deals

      Final words​​

      Tempted to take your DIY experience to the next level and become the handyman around your household?

      Interested in pushing your business even further with some top-notch tools?

      Black Friday could be the solution for you. Keep in mind, the bigger the store, the more money it can cut via its coupon codes.

      Places like Home Depot could be your primary solutions.

      Use my advice to get ahead of others and gain an advantage over the crazy crowds. Whether you get there in person or you plan to tackle Black Friday from your armchair, you have to be prepared.​

       

    • Journeys Shoe Deals And Gift Card Giveaway

      Journeys Shoe Deals And Gift Card Giveaway

      Check out the Journeys shoe deals for this Spring. Find the different style of shoes for men, women and kids plus a variety of clothing and accessories of your choice.

      Journeys Deals

       


      Savings is giving away 10 $50 Journeys gift cards to help bring awareness to all the great spring shoes available.

      #JourneysForSpring Giveaway

      • Starts Monday, March 25th at 12:00 AM ET to Friday, March 29th at 11:59 PM ET. Open to US, 18+ years old.
      • Ten (10) winners will receive a $50 Journeys gift card.
      • Enter the giveaway by heading to the Journeys page and submit your email address on the form at the top of the page.
      • The winners will be chosen through a lottery drawing and notified on Monday (4/1) via the email address used to enter.
      • See complete Official Rules for entry instructions, full prize descriptions, restrictions and other important details.

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      Enter Contest Here!

       

      Disclaimer: Work Money Fun is not responsible for prize fulfillment. Sponsor is responsible for awarding prizes to winners of Journeys giveaway.